Snow Mode?

[Andystroh]

Yeah, just to pile on another experience with snow tires, I wouldn't turn it down but I haven't yet been in a scenario that I felt like I needed a snow mode with the snow tires. I've gotten to drive on some ice and packed snow now, and it has been easy. truck doesn't want to break free from traction no matter what I do. I had to put it in drift to get the rear end to slide out around turns, otherwise it just tracks straight and limits the acceleration to what it can manage without losing grip, its pretty impressive. Anyway, sorry that doesn't help those of you that don't have great snow tires in your wheel size, nowhere to store snow tires, etc. But for anyone on the edge, they make winter driving a great experience (just watch out for the other drivers)

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[Kuro-Rivian]

That said, I wonder if a "snow mode" requires additional safety testing / certification as opposed to off road modes that are not intended to be driven on the street?

The way Rivian has paired science with technology to create different traction control algorithms for different surfaces & conditions is really an engineering masterpiece. So there probably is something to said about creating a snow mode to optimize winter driving. However, my experience on snow tires tells me the dissatisfaction people are having with snow driving is likely just a tire issue. The Pirelli (AT or otherwise) tires might just suck in snow. I'd bet on that.

 

[Ravenron]

The way Rivian has paired science with technology to create different traction control algorithms for different surfaces & conditions is really an engineering masterpiece. So there probably is something to said about creating a snow mode to optimize winter driving. However, my experience on snow tires tells me the dissatisfaction people are having with snow driving is likely just a tire issue. The Pirelli (AT or otherwise) tires might just suck in snow. I'd bet on that.

I definitely think you may be right about the tires. That said, seeing as how there are limited winter tire options depending on your wheel size, I think most folks are hoping for Rivian to provide another snow mode to at least maximize use with the tires the truck came with.

I happen to have the 22" Sport tires and, while there has some positive indications of snow performance (Rivian doing winter testing video on 22"s), I haven't yet had any confidence inspiring personal experience. My one foray on to packed ice/snow roads was without incident but I was very "white-knuckled".

Bottomline: When better tire options are available, I'll pursue...until then, I'd like Rivian and the truck to help me as much as possible and/or I'll limit my exposure. Still not sure why a "Sand" mode took priority over a "Snow" mode...doesn't make sense for the target audience.

Anyway...here's hoping! ?

 

[Kuro-Rivian]

I definitely think you may be right about the tires. That said, seeing as how there are limited winter tire options depending on your wheel size, I think most folks are hoping for Rivian to provide another snow mode to at least maximize use with the tires the truck came with.

The question is whether it is optimized already or not? Some things you just can't engineer around....like the the fact your 22" tires are not gonna perform well in snow. I imagine we'll see a snow mode soon and we'll find out. But I'm skeptical there's much left to be optimized.

 

[Ravenron]

The question is whether it is optimized already or not? Some things you just can't engineer around....like the the fact your 22" tires are not gonna perform well in snow. I imagine we'll see a snow mode soon and we'll find out. But I'm skeptical there's much left to be optimized.

Sadly, you may be right (I hope not) and, although the 22"s are rated M&S , it is still baffling that Rivian hasn't even mentioned snow. With all of the other tailored drive modes, just poses a glaring omission.

Oh, and I just can't make myself spend $5,000 MORE dollars on a set of 20"s. Cheaper and safer to just stay home...

 

[Aag12]

Sadly, you may be right (I hope not) and, although the 22"s are rated M&S CWL, it is still baffling that Rivian hasn't even mentioned snow. With all of the other tailored drive modes, just poses a glaring omission.

Oh, and I just can't make myself spend $5,000 MORE dollars on a set of 20"s. Cheaper and safer to just stay home...

FYI there is a aftermarket wheel option. Not a perfect offset fix, but others have used it. I have one on order along with blizzak lt winter tires.

https://m.tirerack.com/wheels/american-racing-ar944-gloss-black-painted

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I really hope Rivian adds Snow Mode in the next update. Hopefully that'll be coming soon. We've got more snow in the forecast.

 

[moosehead]

The Snow Goddess at Winter Park reports 9” of freshies this AM.

Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus.

 

[Ravenron]

Yeah...just took the 22"s out for a check in our first measurable snow (not much - 3" - light and fluffy). Not confidence inspiring. Slow speeds everywhere in the neighborhood and it stops and goes okay (as expected). Regen was not as bad as expected but did lockup near end of stopping (set on standard). Went up hills in neighborhood without issue. When out on more traveled, snow packed feeder road, had tendency to slide in turns and brake lockup immediately. Don't think I want to be on 60+ mph snow packed roads. Just no confidence it would perform as needed for those conditions. Maybe I'm being a bit over cautious but DO NOT want to voluntarily put myself in a position to get the truck damaged, especially when parts do not appear to be readily available. I think I'll choose other vehicles until I can resolve my tire issue (and/or Rivian provides a more winter focused drive mode - aka Snow Mode).

Just my observations - YMMV...

 

[moosehead]

^Agreed with all your points @Ravenron.

I finally had a chance to bomb around on the flats in the Rivian late last night and this morning in 3-5” of cold snow. Also set All Purpose to standard regen. Below 35 mph on the OEM Pirelli AT 20’s was reasonably well planted, the rig also centers nicely after a forced slide using the gas as we traditionally do in snow country. Will try sand mode and its low regen setting later, and also get into the high alpine next week.

It’s at winter conditions speed, downhills, downhill hairpins, and hard pack snow and ice that is concerning. Like say every Interstate and mountain pass that is travelled into ski country.

Your comment about damaging the vehicle with limited backup parts is also well taken.

 

[BillyBob]

It’s at winter conditions speed, downhills, downhill hairpins, and hard pack snow and ice that is concerning. Like say every Interstate and mountain pass that is travelled into ski country.

Yup, I am really concerned about this. I go to Vail every year, and coming down the steep winding twisting I-70 from Vail Pass would be a real white-knuckler, especially in a heavy snow. Locally in Washington, it's not as bad, but the last 5-10 miles into and out of Stevens pass would not be fun.

 

[cohall]

No Snow mode in the next update, per that other thread. Pretty disappointing.

My plan is to charge up to 95%+ so that regen is reduced by the software automatically. Should work for short around-town trips. Runs up/down the mountain it obviously wouldn't work for very long.

 

[OrthoBlock]

(too lazy to read whole thread, so sorry if covered already): but wanted to know what exactly is it that we're hoping that this magical "snow mode" will deliver us?

Is it just to further reduce "throttle" response so we don't spin tires? As far as I know, there is very little software magic that can overcome traction issues at the tires or otherwise overcome the laws of physics.

With all my cars over the years, I have never experienced a snow mode that made a material difference to snow/winter driving. Judicious use of throttle, brakes, and steering wheel (combined with winter tires where available) were always most of the answer...

Perhaps I've just never experienced truly exceptional "snow" modes...

 

[Sgt Beavis]

The Snow Goddess at Winter Park reports 9” of freshies this AM.

Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus.

It's going to be a good ski season.

 

[Andystroh]

(too lazy to read whole thread, so sorry if covered already): but wanted to know what exactly is it that we're hoping that this magical "snow mode" will deliver us?

Is it just to further reduce "throttle" response so we don't spin tires? As far as I know, there is very little software magic that can overcome traction issues at the tires or otherwise overcome the laws of physics.

With all my cars over the years, I have never experienced a snow mode that made a material difference to snow/winter driving. Judicious use of throttle, brakes, and steering wheel (combined with winter tires where available) were always most of the answer...

Perhaps I've just never experienced truly exceptional "snow" modes...

I really think that a "low" or "no" regen is all thats desired. If I lose grip in an ICE vehicle, I typically remove braking/acceleration inputs and try to regain grip through steering. In the Rivian, it will basically always be braking or accelerating; you can try to maintain the sweet spot between the two but I don't think that's as practical.

I think less torque wouldn't hurt as well, if a dedicated snow mode did exist. But the regen is what would be beneficial in my mind.

Edit:

It's going to be a good ski season.

Definitely hoping so! Winter park was much more favored this time around than the 2" my Arapahoe Basin pass gives me access to... but it's still early.

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